Glenn D. Miller, 76 years, of West Unity, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016, at his home with his family at his side. Glenn was born July 12, 1940 in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, the son of Maurice M. and Florence V. (Shertzer) Miller. He was a 1958 graduate of Hummelstown High School, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. He then attended Baldwin Wallace College where he graduated in 1962 with a Bachelors of Music Degree. He attended the University of Michigan where he received his Masters of Music Degree. He married Nancy C. Meares on August 17, 1963 in Willoughby, Ohio, and she survives.
His love for music began in 1955 as the Leader of his own Big Band Orchestra. In 1963 he was named Director of Orchestras and Assistant Band Director at Defiance City Schools. He also led the Choir at Zion Lutheran Church. He then moved to Bryan City Schools where he led the band, taught general music and directed the Junior High Choir. In 1974, Glenn opened Miller’s Music Store in Bryan, later returned to teaching, and retired in 1995.
Glenn also served the West Unity United Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church in directing their Music and Bell Choirs. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi, honorary music fraternities. He was a former Chairman of the University of Michigan – Williams County Alumni Club. He was the former Chapter Director of the Glass City Buick Club and member of the National “S” Gaugers model trains. He played in the Bryan City Band from 1968 – 2013. Glenn was also active in the Defiance and Williams Counties Community Concert Associations, where he served as President and Vice President. He maintained the Markey Carillon at Wesley church from 1969 – 2010 and was Editor of the Newsletter of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. He also operated Grandpa’s Toy and Train Museum. Glenn was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan.
Surviving is his wife, Nancy of West Unity; two daughters, Suzanne (William) Geis of West Unity and Paula (Richard) Mohr of Massillon, Ohio; five grandchildren, Kelly Geis, Katie Geis, Mathew Mohr, John Mohr and Mason Mohr; his mother, Florence Miller of West Unity.
Visitation for Glenn D. Miller will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Lynn Street Chapel, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan. Funeral services for Glenn will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan with Revs. Jeffrey Motter and Becky Schofield Motter officiating. Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those planning an expression of sympathy consider memorial contributions be directed to Hilltop High School Band, 1401 Jackson Street, West Unity, Ohio 43570, North Central High School Band, 400 Baubice Street, Pioneer, Ohio 43554, Wesley United Methodist Church Music Department, 903 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506 or to Visiting Angels, P.O. Box 896, Edgerton, Ohio 43517.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com